“Occasionally, from time to time, I have disagreements with the governor, but I have no fault with his selection of judges," said state senator Jim Dabakis, a Democrat.

Dabakis said Utah has a good track record for judicial selections – a theme echoed by other lawmakers on the committee.

Petersen said she was impressed that during this process she hasn’t been asked about her political leanings.

“Our legitimacy is our neutrality," she said. "If we don’t have that people lose confidence in the courts."

Petersen has been chosen to replace Justice Christine Durham – the only female justice on Utah’s Supreme Court - who is planning to retire this week. Peterson’s confirmation will next go to the full Senate for a vote later this week.